When I had my first-ever recollection in the seminary, the recollection master said we were all wounded and broken. Hence, we need to submit ourselves to the formation process to heal the wounds of our past. I doubted that statement from the recollection master because, in my mind, I was sure that I was not wounded. I do not have wounds that need healing or brokenness that should be fixed. I was ready to endure seminary formation. However, as I progress in the formation, I am often confronted with many situations that push me to my limit. I realize that I need to face my weaknesses and brokenness. The “unwounded me” seems to be severely wounded by my past. I thought that I would be able to endure everything by myself—I was wrong.

In today’s Gospel, the centurion came to Jesus with humility, acknowledging His authority by faith. The centurion made the healing of his servant a reality by putting his faith in Jesus, who has proven that what is unseen or impossible may be seen and made possible. The Gospel challenges me that, as I submit myself to the formation process, I must also submit myself with utmost humility to God. Humility enables a person to break out of every selfish tendency and turn his love toward the good of others. True humility begins when we are on our knees before God, astounded by his greatness, submissive to his sovereignty, and focused on his glory. The more we experience the majesty of God, the more we will be humble. I need to accept Jesus as my healer and savior. I need to accept Jesus as my ultimate healer and savior. I must recognize his power by putting my trust in him. I must acknowledge that with God, all things are possible. I just need to humble myself before Him.

By: Sem. Arjay A. Ligamzon

Today’s Gospel

Mt 8:5-11

When Jesus entered Capernaum,
a centurion approached him and appealed to him, saying,
“Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, suffering dreadfully.”
He said to him, “I will come and cure him.”
The centurion said in reply,
“Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof;
only say the word and my servant will be healed.
For I too am a man subject to authority,
with soldiers subject to me.
And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes;
and to another, ‘Come here,’ and he comes;
and to my slave, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him,
“Amen, I say to you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith.
I say to you, many will come from the east and the west,
and will recline with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
at the banquet in the Kingdom of heaven.”